Maryland Highway Safety Office

Strategic Highway Safety Plan

A motor scooter is defined in Maryland Vehicle Law, as a non-pedal vehicle that:

Has a seat for the operator.

Has two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter.

Has a step-through chassis.

Has a motor with a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less or if the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.

Equipped with an automatic transmission.

If a vehicle matches these criteria, but has an engine displacement of 51 cubic centimeters, or more, it is considered a motorcycle.

What is a Moped?

A moped is defined in Maryland Vehicle Law as a bicycle that:

1. Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor;

2. Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels;

3. Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter and

4. Has a motor rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less and if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less

Driver License/Moped Operator's Permit Required

A Class M motorcycle license is not required. However, each individual operating a moped or a motor scooter on any roadway in Maryland must have a driver license of some class issued in this state or from his or her state of residency. A moped operator's permit issued to the individual is also valid. The MVA will not issue a moped operator's permit to any individual whose driver's license is suspended or revoked.

Motor scooter or moped operators may ride side by side only if the flow of traffic is unimpeded and must exercise due care when passing a vehicle.

A passenger cannot be carried on a motor scooter or moped unless the motor scooter or moped is equipped to carry a passenger.

The use of headsets covering both ears, or earplugs are prohibited except in certain circumstances.

A person may not operate a motor scooter or moped on a roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour, or on an expressway or other controlled access highway. If the roadway has a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a paved shoulder, a person operating a motor scooter or moped must use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway except for a situation identified above as (1 through 6).

A motor scooter or moped may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour.

It is unlawful to operate a 3-wheeled motor scooter or moped in any jurisdiction other than Ocean City.

Operators of motor scooters or mopeds should check their local jurisdictions for any laws that may affect the operation of a motor scooter.

Prior to the sale of the vehicle, any dealer or agent or employee of a dealer, salesman, or other person who sells the motor scooter or moped must inform the buyer of the operating restrictions.